Safe Elevator Use Guidelines

An overloaded elevator represents a unique hazard of brake slippage. Persons being evacuated from an overloaded elevator should be handled with care, in that no passenger or rescuer should stand partially in the elevator entranceway.

Take special care when entering and exiting a car because, particularly with older elevators, the cab might not be level with the landing.

Don’t try to stop an elevator’s doors from closing with your arm, hand or leg. Use the ’door open’ button or the hall buttons, which have been provided for this purpose.

Check the capacity of the elevator, which can be found posted inside the elevator.

If you find yourself stuck in an elevator, don’t panic, and don’t try to force your way out. You are safest in the car. More accidents happen when people try to self-evacuate from a stalled elevator that’s not at the landing. Use the emergency phone, ring the alarm, and wait for help.